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Pre-Approval Process

A buyer’s objectives are the most important piece in the decision-making process. These are questions that determine their motivation to buy.

What are your goals?

What are your expectations?

What is most important to you?

Market Dynamics

To gather a pulse of the Real Estate Market, experts use what we call “Month’s Supply of Inventory”. This is the amount of time it would take to sell all current listings if no new listings became available.

“Seller’s” market is defined as inventory of less than 3 months supply of houses on the market.

“Buyer’s” market is defined as inventory of more than 6 months supply of houses on the market.

“Neutral” market is defined as inventory between 3 and 6 months of supply of houses on the market. In which the buyer’s and seller’s negotiating positions are equal. Typically this market does not last long.

Lending Process

Meet with a preferred lender of your choice to discuss what would be required to apply for a loan.

This will help you understand what you need to qualify for a loan

Steady Job/Income

Two-Years of Tax Returns

Bank Statement showing funds for down payment which can range from 3.5-20%

Your comfort of your monthly mortgage payments

Shopping

Once you know what you can afford and have a clear understanding of the current market conditions, we can begin your home search.

This process is a learning experience. It allows me to gauge how realistic your expectations are and it also allows me to get a sense of exactly what you are looking for. I will also educate you on the market regarding past sales, which are referred to as Comparables or “Comps”.

What can and can’t you change?

The home you choose is going to be fully your decisions. It is my job to guide you on making that decision by providing information about the area and home. Once we find a home you can see yourself owning, we are ready to write an offer.

Writing An Offer

What do we need to submit a complete offer?

Pre-Approval letter written in the past 30 days

The Residential Purchase Agreement (RPA) is a California Association of Realtors standard form. This form was created to keep both the buyer and seller protected. It maps out the timelines and responsibility of both the buyer and the seller. I will provide a sample contract that we will go over in detail prior to you making your offer.

What are Terms? Money, Time, Services

How much to offer?
What do you want to take possession?
How long do you need to complete your due diligence (Inspections, appraisal, and loan)?
Who pays for what service? (Termite, Escrow, Title Insurance)

Negotiations

The seller may do one of three actions below when responding to your offer:

Accept

Counter

Decline

Acceptance: This is when the Seller accepts your offer with all your terms. The Seller signs and the listing agent send confirmation of acceptance. The listing agent will then “Open Escrow”

Counter: This is when the Seller accepts your offer, subject to specific terms, ultimately amending your original offer. Sometimes there will be a “multiple counter”, which means you are competing with other buyers on the same property.

Decline: The seller does not wish to engage in any negotiations with the presented offer.